In April 2010, my left arm went crazy. Burning, twitching, and clenched up into my chest. It also shook. I had an MRI done in May 2010. This is what the report said: Small nonspecific foci of hyperintense signal in the supratentorial brain. Some lesions appear to be situated in or immediately adjacent to to corpus callosum; although small, some lesions have a relatively perpendicular orientation with respect to the lateral ventricle, raising the possibility of a demyelinating process (?possible small Dawson's fingers).
I also had a lumbar puncture and a couple of other tests- but these were negative.
The first attack only lasted about six weeks, and I have been left with residual weakness, and burning in that arm/hand. The neurologist I saw said he "doesn't think it's ms". He indicated that stress can cause these things- but I don't have a lot of stress (except for DOCTORS!) I also have Reflex Sympathetic Dystropy in my right foot- so I figured it must have spread to my hand (another long story...).
Attack #2 began on June 10, 2011- last month. I was out with a friend for lunch, when my left foot "disappeared", and over the course of the day, it was my entire left side- excepting my face- I am unsure about that. I had pronounced weakness, and numbness on the left side only - but this time it included my both my arm and my leg. I was unable to walk, or even to wheel myself around in a wheelchair- (needed two working hands to do it). Burning, spasms, twitching, electric-like shocks... I have felt like I was drunk, very disoriented. I have had some visual disturbances, but they don't sound like optic neuritis to me. I also have tingling and buzzing in all four extremities, but not all the time.
The reason I think this attack is over, is because I can walk again- though with difficulty, and slowly. I don't feel drunk anymore- just mildly dizzy. Unfortunately, my left hand is now worse than it was last time. I am also left with a very slight tremor.
I have not seen a neurologist for this attack yet- they are booked out too far.
In addition to that, I have been having a painful problem in my abdomen. It feels very tight, located at the bottom of my ribcage and it is usually only on my right side- though at times (including right now) it radiates all the way around to both sides. It feels like a tight belt. -- It's there every day, but not all the time.
If this is not ms (because it no longer resembles RSD very much), what are the other possibilities?
Please take a moment to read our health pages, top right of your screen the yellow icon. There you will find many answers to your MS questions, you may find the ones on dx-ing MS most interesting. I'm sure you'll learn a lot and trust you'll know there is something wrong with your picture, starting with your neuro.
From this point "lesions appear to be situated in or immediately adjacent to to corpus callosum; although small, some lesions have a relatively perpendicular orientation with respect to the lateral ventricle, raising the possibility of a demyelinating process (?possible small Dawson's fingers)" i'm already thinking you have lesions in the slam dunk location for MS, the CC, Dawson's fingers are also classic findings so i'm NOT expecting your neuro to have blamed your sx on stress!
The more I've read your story the more i'm convinced you need a new neurologist, preferably one that specialises in MS. Oh I know you are stressed lol who the heck wouldn't be with all you've got going on, ahhh welcome to limbo land! This btw has a name
"I have been having a painful problem in my abdomen. It feels very tight, located at the bottom of my ribcage and it is usually only on my right side- though at times (including right now) it radiates all the way around to both sides. It feels like a tight belt"
Its called the MS HUG. Take a breath, regroup your focus and find a new neuro, its time you got some answers!
Welcome Hugs to you
Cheers..............JJ